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French Army Set to Deploy 50 PROTEUS Anti-Drone Systems to Enhance Defense Against Aerial Threats by 2026.
The French Army is taking a new step in modernizing its anti-drone capabilities with the industrialization of the PROTEUS Standard 2 system. Designed from repurposed 20mm AA53 T2 anti-aircraft cannons mounted on a 53T2 towed carriage, this system has been rapidly developed to address the increasing threat of light aerial targets and drone swarms. Following its initial deployment in early 2025 within the 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment (35e RAP), the French Directorate General of Armament (DGA) launched a competitive procurement process on February 23, 2025, to industrialize the production of this updated version. This initiative marks a significant development in adapting existing armaments into a system aligned with modern operational requirements.
The PROTEUS primary armament, a 20mm cannon with a firing rate of 700 rounds per minute and an effective range of 1,500 meters, is complemented by a SANDRA thermal camera and an advanced fire control system (Picture source: French MoD)
The DGA’s contract focuses on the production and integration of hardware kits for the PROTEUS Standard 2 targeting assistance system. It includes the addition of day/infrared electro-optical sensors, a digital processor optimized for artificial intelligence algorithms, and improved human-machine interfaces. These enhancements aim to refine target detection and engagement by better predicting drone trajectories and increasing firing accuracy. The first six units are expected within three months, with a total of 50 planned for completion by the end of 2026.
Developed in a few months by the French Army’s Technical Section (STAT) with support from the Ministry of Defense’s Artificial Intelligence Agency (AMIAD), PROTEUS follows a practical approach by repurposing existing equipment. Its primary armament, a 20mm cannon with a firing rate of 700 rounds per minute and an effective range of 1,500 meters, is complemented by a SANDRA thermal camera and an advanced fire control system. Mounted on a TRM 2000 truck, it benefits from high mobility, allowing for rapid deployment in operational environments.
The PROTEUS Standard 2 introduces upgraded capabilities through artificial intelligence. Predictive targeting algorithms will optimize fire control based on enemy flight paths, increasing efficiency by more than 30% compared to previous models. Designed for the protection of bases, convoys, and critical infrastructure, it will be primarily operated by specialized units such as the 35e RAP and the 17th Artillery Group (GA), which plays a central role in air defense training and testing through its National Evaluation and Training Center for All-Arms Air Defense (CNEF LATTA).
This development aligns with a broader effort to strengthen the French Army’s counter-drone strategy. The Task Force LAD, established in 2024 to accelerate the deployment of counter-drone solutions, is overseeing PROTEUS integration with existing platforms such as the Scorpion vehicle range. Further research is also underway to apply PROTEUS’s predictive targeting algorithms to other systems, including remotely operated turrets and active neutralization units.
Beyond its domestic deployment, PROTEUS also presents export potential. Its cost-effective design and improved capabilities through AI make it a viable solution for armed forces seeking to enhance their short-range air defense against emerging aerial threats. Its rapid development and industrialization highlight the adaptability of the French military in responding to evolving operational challenges. As PROTEUS is scaled up, it could play a role in reshaping anti-drone defense by offering an effective, adaptable, and interoperable solution within broader air defense systems.